ScotRail Class 170's

[318266]

Until the 222s arrive then will be phased out. Suspect gone in 2027.

I would be very surprised if the 222s were to come into full service in only 2 years when nothing has been announced yet!

 

[RiverDon]

Unions were told in the autumn that the lease for the class 222s was due to be signed in November.

 

[InvHst]

Unions were told in the autumn that the lease for the class 222s was due to be signed in November.

Considering the year long tender notice that went public hasn't concluded

 

[reecestrains]

Another path put in for what is presumably will be 170401 returning to Haymarket tomorrow...

Realtime Trains | 5Q01 1331 Kilmarnock Bonnyton Depot to Haymarket Depot | 19/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q01 1331 departure from Kilmarnock Bonnyton Depot to Haymarket Depot on 19/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Dec 2025 ==

Whether it'll go ahead or not is anyone's guess after a couple cancelled attempts.

 

[SC318250]

Also one due from Doncaster also

 

[reecestrains]

For the third time now I think, 401 has not returned. I haven't seen any other paths in yet.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Dec 2025 ==

Two more paths have been placed in for Sunday, one going back and another unit going for refresh:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K49422/2025-12-21/detailed

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K49421/2025-12-21/detailed

If it even goes ahead.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Dec 2025 ==

Update: 170401 has failed to come out for the third time in a row now it seems. The other run has also been cancelled.

 

[computerSaysNo]

For the third time now I think, 401 has not returned. I haven't seen any other paths in yet.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 19 Dec 2025 ==

Two more paths have been placed in for Sunday, one going back and another unit going for refresh:
https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K49422/2025-12-21/detailed

https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:K49421/2025-12-21/detailed

If it even goes ahead.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Dec 2025 ==

Update: 170401 has failed to come out for the third time in a row now it seems. The other run has also been cancelled.

I wonder why it keeps getting cancelled. It's there mainly for electrical and mechanical work?

 

[reecestrains]

I wonder why it keeps getting cancelled. It's there mainly for electrical and mechanical work?

Well that and it's having a refresh too. It happened before when 401 was down in Doncaster and that got cancelled on a number of attempts too.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Dec 2025 ==

The other 16 units from the original batch are also going through the same thing in terms of being refreshed.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Dec 2025 ==

A Christmas Eve path to Haymarket has been placed in...

Realtime Trains | 5Q01 1331 Kilmarnock Bonnyton Depot to Haymarket Depot | 24/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q01 1331 departure from Kilmarnock Bonnyton Depot to Haymarket Depot on 24/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[158715]

Well that and it's having a refresh too. It happened before when 401 was down in Doncaster and that got cancelled on a number of attempts too.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 21 Dec 2025 ==

The other 16 units from the original batch are also going through the same thing in terms of being refreshed.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 23 Dec 2025 ==

A Christmas Eve path to Haymarket has been placed in...

Realtime Trains | 5Q01 1331 Kilmarnock Bonnyton Depot to Haymarket Depot | 24/12/2025

Real-time train running information for 5Q01 1331 departure from Kilmarnock Bonnyton Depot to Haymarket Depot on 24/12/2025. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

What coaches is it going to lose and gain at Busby Junction, Larkfield Junction and Slateford?!

 

[reecestrains]

What coaches is it going to lose and gain at Busby Junction, Larkfield Junction and Slateford?!

I don't know why that has come up, unless the train is magically going to gain and lose coaches on the way back.

It is pathed as a Class 170 at 100mph and 5Q01 which is the exact same headcode for previous runs that were cancelled.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Dec 2025 ==

UPDATE: The diagram is going, so I'm presuming that's 170401 heading back to Haymarket in it's fresh look.

 

[158715]

I don't know why that has come up, unless the train is magically going to gain and lose coaches on the way back.

It is pathed as a Class 170 at 100mph and 5Q01 which is the exact same headcode for previous runs that were cancelled.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 24 Dec 2025 ==

UPDATE: The diagram is going, so I'm presuming that's 170401 heading back to Haymarket in it's fresh look.

Thanks - yes, it looks like some kind of error. I could be wrong but it doesn't look as if it stopped at any of them.

 

[reecestrains]

Thanks - yes, it looks like some kind of error. I could be wrong but it doesn't look as if it stopped at any of them.

Yes, the stops were for pathing. It certainly would've been 170401 returning home there, it'll be interesting to see what they've done once it returns into service and what to expect from the other 16 of the original 170's when they're refreshed.

 

[reecestrains]

Still no sign of 170401 returning back to service and I'm currently not aware of another path for a set to go to Kilmarnock from Haymarket at this time.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jan 2026 ==

170401 returning to service today after a refresh.

Realtime Trains | 2G66 1318 Edinburgh to Leven | 13/01/2026

Real-time train running information for 2G66 1318 departure from Edinburgh to Leven on 13/01/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

170403 went over to Kilmarnock on Sunday.

 

[InvHst]

401 is back and in service however it hasn't lost its first class so I wonder if that plan has been scrapped

 

[reecestrains]

401 is back and in service however it hasn't lost its first class so I wonder if that plan has been scrapped

Yeah I saw that when I first saw the photos earlier, saw the yellow bar above the First Class windows and thought has it actually been refreshed?

But yeah it has kept the First Class section despite mentions it was being removed.

Either way, it's looking good! I wonder if the interior is looking any tidier on the overhead panels following the refresh?

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 13 Jan 2026 ==

I've seen internal photos of 401 post C6, it's good to see new seat covers and carpet. However, it looks like the overhead rack panels are still looking messy and haven't been cleared out which isn't good.

Even though they did only say a partial refresh, it still looking a bit messy overhead.

 

[FrontSideBus]

I hope they don't fit new seats as I found them vastly superior to the LNER 800 that I got up to Scotland on!

 

[Davester50]

I hope they don't fit new seats as I found them vastly superior to the LNER 800 that I got up to Scotland on!

No, no new seats. The carpet felt fresh.
Even better, was the nice indoor swimming pool with a bay of four ticker-taped off for it last week...

 

[Transilien]

The BTP advert 170 still has a few seats in National Express mouqette from the 90s! Most of the stic˚ers too are National Express ones too. I can't think of any other Scotrail fleet that has been neglected this much! A photo of the seat mentioned from earlier today.

 

[hexagon789]

The BTP advert 170 still has a few seats in National Express mouqette from the 90s! Most of the stic˚ers too are National Express ones too. I can't think of any other Scotrail fleet that has been neglected this much! A photo of the seat mentioned from earlier today.

Whether they still do, I'm not sure, but there were 158s with the etched "Swooshes" on the luggage stacks still some years ago.

I would agree though, that the first batch 170/4s are still very close to as delivered condition internally.

 

[godfreycomplex]

Whether they still do, I'm not sure, but there were 158s with the etched "Swooshes" on the luggage stacks still some years ago.

aye they’re still floating around. The “Express Sprinter” coloured stripes on the luggage racks are still extant on the Corkerhill units too, they’ve been there from new!

 

[hexagon789]

aye they’re still floating around. The “Express Sprinter” coloured stripes on the luggage racks are still extant on the Corkerhill units too, they’ve been there from new!

Thank you for confirming.

I remember noticing them in the past (a decade ago or so), but didn't remember to look on my rather more recent 158 journeys.

 

[Transilien]

Whether they still do, I'm not sure, but there were 158s with the etched "Swooshes" on the luggage stacks still some years ago.

I would agree though, that the first batch 170/4s are still very close to as delivered condition internally.

You’re right but at least that is hard plastic and not a seat cover!

 

[reecestrains]

Another 170 went down to Doncaster on Friday with one returning.

Realtime Trains | 5Q01 0756 Doncaster Works Wagn Shops to Haymarket Depot | 27/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 5Q01 0756 departure from Doncaster Works Wagn Shops to Haymarket Depot on 27/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 5Q23 1412 Haymarket Depot to Doncaster Works Wagn Shops | 27/02/2026

Real-time train running information for 5Q23 1412 departure from Haymarket Depot to Doncaster Works Wagn Shops on 27/02/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 2 Mar 2026 ==

Also there's 170403 (I believe) returning to Haymarket with another 170 heading to Kilmarnock today.

Realtime Trains | 5Q08 0934 Haymarket Depot to Kilmarnock Bonnyton Depot | 02/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 5Q08 0934 departure from Haymarket Depot to Kilmarnock Bonnyton Depot on 02/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 5Q01 1331 Kilmarnock Bonnyton Depot to Haymarket Depot | 02/03/2026

Real-time train running information for 5Q01 1331 departure from Kilmarnock Bonnyton Depot to Haymarket Depot on 02/03/2026. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

 

[hexagon789]

I notice 170402 has lost all external First Class branding, but haven't seen it internally.

Can anyone at whether it has lost its First Class or just the labelling?

I understand the refreshed sets were all to lose First Class, but 401 returned with it intact still?

Or do they keep the seating but lose the branding?

Just curious.

Cheers.

 

[reecestrains]

I notice 170402 has lost all external First Class branding, but haven't seen it internally.

Can anyone at whether it has lost its First Class or just the labelling?

I understand the refreshed sets were all to lose First Class, but 401 returned with it intact still?

Or do they keep the seating but lose the branding?

Just curious.

Cheers.

Has 402 just been refreshed by any chance? I haven't seen any photos of it yet.

403 has been done and that maintained first class.

 

[hexagon789]

Has 402 just been refreshed by any chance? I haven't seen any photos of it yet.

403 has been done and that maintained first class.

I just assumed it had been because the branding was removed, but maybe not.

 

[RiverDon]

I notice 170402 has lost all external First Class branding, but haven't seen it internally.

Can anyone at whether it has lost its First Class or just the labelling?

I understand the refreshed sets were all to lose First Class, but 401 returned with it intact still?

Or do they keep the seating but lose the branding?

Just curious.

Cheers.

Has 402 just been refreshed by any chance? I haven't seen any photos of it yet.

403 has been done and that maintained first class.

I was on this one yesterday (402) and it looks brand new inside and out, so I would say it has definitely been done up. It still has first class sections at the front and back but no yellow stripes as noted.

 

[hexagon789]

I was on this one yesterday (402) and it looks brand new inside and out, so I would say it has definitely been done up. It still has first class sections at the front and back but no yellow stripes as noted.

Thank you for the "in-person" confirmation. A friend photographed 402 at Perth the other day and when I looked at their photos, that was when I noticed the lack of external First Class markings.

They didn't notice at the time, so didn't go over to look at the unit more closely.

 

[Transilien]

Perhaps ScotRail is waiting for the 222s to enter service before they remove the first class section from the 170s. Does anyone have a photo of the refurbished 170, exterior and interior?

 

[hexagon789]

Perhaps ScotRail is waiting for the 222s to enter service before they remove the first class section from the 170s

That would seem a sensible reason if it is why.